Yellow Rice with Raisins (Geelrys)
In short: Fluffy long-grain rice cooked with turmeric, cinnamon, sugar and plump raisins, the sweet golden side for bobotie, curries and braai meat. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 245 kcal
Geelrys, or yellow rice, is the sweet, fragrant rice that sits next to bobotie, curries and braai meat in the Cape. Rice is cooked with turmeric, cinnamon, a spoon of sugar and a handful of raisins, which turn plump and juicy. The result is golden, slightly sweet and not at all hot. It is simple to make, and a good example of the Cape Malay influence on South African cooking.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a sieve under cold water until it runs almost clear. Drain well.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick and turmeric and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the rice and stir for 1 minute until every grain is coated and yellow.
- Pour in the water and add the sugar, raisins and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to the lowest setting and cover tightly.
- Cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, until the water is absorbed. Take off the heat and rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cinnamon stick, fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Tips
- For basmati rice, use 450 ml (scant 2 cups) of water for the same amount of rice and check it 3 minutes early.
- Stir in a handful of toasted flaked almonds just before serving for a classic touch that goes well with bobotie and sosaties.
Questions and answers
What goes with yellow rice?
It is the traditional partner of bobotie, curries, sosaties and other braai meat. It also works with grilled chicken or roast lamb.
Can I make yellow rice without raisins?
Yes. Leave them out, or swap in sultanas or chopped dried apricots. Some cooks add a few cloves or cardamom pods as well.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it needs about 600 ml (2 1/2 cups) of water and 35 to 40 minutes of cooking. The texture will be chewier.
How long does it take to make Yellow Rice with Raisins (Geelrys)?
About 25 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Yellow Rice with Raisins (Geelrys)?
About 245 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 245 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
